Today marks the beginning of a 30-day journey I call “Warrior Roulette,” inspired by the incredible Special Forces guests on my podcast, "Mindset: Lessons from the Field." The mission? To transform 10,000 minds through daily challenges inspired by Special Forces training.
The balloon popped, revealing the Day 1 challenge: a 1-mile soft sand run. Though it sounds easy and I was initially relieved that it was only a mile, soft sand running is a completely different beast compared to treadmill or pavement running. For those who’ve never run on soft sand, it’s a formidable challenge. Unlike pavement, where each step is firm and steady, soft sand demands more energy and engages different muscles. While it is better on the knees and helps build strength and endurance faster, every step on this unforgiving terrain forges resilience, much like life’s unexpected trials.
When I was at Team Eagle One, we did a myriad of soft sand running. Our training was on the beach, so it was unavoidable. I remember the first time running on soft sand and not realizing how challenging it truly is. I am also grateful this run is with me being dry, not wet and covered in sand like we had to do at Team Eagle One. That was even tougher because not only was I wet in my Team Eagle One uniform (combat boots, fatigues, and a white t-shirt, which is what I am wearing in these challenges), but also being covered in sand added extra weight, making the runs even more challenging. I remember a dog walking faster than I was running one time at Team Eagle One. My brothers would joke, telling me I looked like I was moving in slow motion. I was so slow.
Though the challenge, I’m grateful it’s just a mile today! Like Marty Strong says in his episode, "STAY POSITIVE" Negativity is like a cancer. Do not go negative and don't be around negativity. Always look at the positive!
Now, being that it is July in South Carolina, it is hot and muggy. So I knew I had to start early! Once that challenge was up at 0600, I went down to the beach and started. As Kyle Buckett said on the podcast, JUST EXECUTE. "Yes, it’s going to suck. Yes, it’s going to be hot. But you have to do it anyway, so just get it done." My body wanted me to stall. My mind wanted me to do other things, but I control me. If I gave in to those desires to jump on social media, watch a YouTube video, or read a chapter in a book, I would put it off and make it much worse on myself because it only gets hotter as the sun comes up.
Another positive about this challenge is that I live on the beach, so I can quickly execute this challenge and not talk myself out of it. When I was at Team Eagle One, I had a 20-minute drive to training, and it was always me trying to pump myself up because my mind and body were fighting me not to go. Thankfully, for this challenge, that was not the case.
Wearing my same outfit from Team Eagle One, I walked downstairs to the starting point, put on my audiobook “The Wicked King” from the The Folk of the Air series, hoping it would distract me from the discomfort, hit start on my watch, and put one foot in front of the other at a steady pace.
From the first step, I was reminded of why I dislike soft sand running. My feet sank into the sand, each step sapping more energy. At first, I loved the cool breeze you get when you are on the beach; however, that cool breeze quickly turned into a hot wind against my face and felt like it was just making this run more challenging for me. Nevertheless, despite the heat and the challenge, I kept running. I told myself I wouldn’t stop, no matter what.
At the 0.25-mile mark, my mind urged me to slow down and walk. But I said no. I’ve learned to control my mind, not let it control me. This is a skill you can develop too. By making small commitments, like waking up at a specific time without hitting snooze, you build discipline and control. Taylor Cavanaugh explained it best on the podcast: "Every day is a new day. Just because you did it yesterday doesn’t mean it carries over to today. You have to do it over and over again."
The last 40 days, I just completed an exercise routine given to me by Randy Veitenheimer where I had to get up and go to bed at the same time every day. This exercise, when completed, would teach me how to control my mind and my body instead of allowing it to control me.
I was able to pick the time, but once I picked it on Day 1 there was NO changing for 40 days. Anytime something happened where I wasn't able to stick to it, my 40 days started all over again. It took me 4 restarts before I completed it.
Morning routine:
- Wake up at 0515
- Log Rolls (On the hard floor 1 min)
- Sun Salutations (3 rounds)
- Cold Shower (at least 3 mins)
Evening Routine:
- Hot Shower
- Sun Salutation (1 round)
- Journal
- Meditation (Sa, Ta, Na, Ma)
- Drink Water
- Sleep by 2200
This disciplined routine trained me to stay focused and follow through, no matter what. My mom and I wanted to go to listen to Carrie Underwood on the beach one night, but she was performing at 10pm, which is my bedtime. So I didn't do it. This schedule takes time, energy, and sacrifice that many people aren't willing to do. But I have an objective. I want to gain control of myself, and this is the cost. As Nick Lavery said on the show, "This is the cost of admission. You said you want it, this is what it takes to get there. The only way you will get there is by not lying to yourself. You will go through the pain, the sacrifice, the time, the energy because you want it."
The exercise prepared me for challenges like today’s run, helping me push past mental and physical limits. As I reached the halfway mark, I turned around. This is where it got interesting. Seeing my home in the distance, my pace quickened. How crazy is that? Notice I naturally got faster. It was like my legs had a mind of their own and were just dragging me to the finish line. Despite being exhausted and hot, my mind and body worked together to finish strong. I even ran an extra 0.25 miles, completing 1.25 miles in 14 minutes.
At first, I saw that time and was a little disappointed. I wished I did better. But then I reminded myself about another lesson from Randy: The key isn’t the time—it’s that you didn’t quit. I didn’t walk or stop once. That made me smile. I told myself I did well today. I completed this challenge. When it was over, I thought, oh, that's not so bad. I could do it again. I can do 3 miles next time! That's what happens when you complete these challenges. You feel stronger. When you finish, all the pain you felt in the moment goes away, and you know you can make it if you choose to do it again. You can make it even further. That is what we are developing as we do these challenges. As Nick Lavery and Bobby Holland both said on the podcast, these are all skills, and you build these skills up by repetitive, consistent training, which is what we are doing.
Grit and mental toughness are skill sets, and this is how you build and develop those skill sets—by pushing yourself, embracing discomfort, and choosing the hard road. Grit isn’t about size, gender, or rank. It’s a daily choice YOU can make.
You continue to make those choices throughout the day, not just in completing these challenges. After my run, I saw the elevator waiting. But I chose the stairs. Even after the challenge, I picked the hard road because it’s more rewarding. The wins feel better, and you get stronger.
I encourage you to join me in these challenges every day. In the morning, I’ll post the challenge. Tag us and share your journey so we can inspire even more people (10,000 goal) to tap into their potential.
Day 1 down...29 more to go! Let’s grow stronger together.